Block and interlocking means therefor.



30.; G. HASTINGS; BLOCK-AND INTERLOCKING MEANS THEREFOR,

APPLICATIQN FILED NOV. 26. 1915.

Patehted-Jan. 2-2, 1918;

I: 4 SHEETSf-SHEET HASTINGS; BLOCK AND INTERLOCKING MEANSIHEREFOR APPLICATEON FILED NOV. 26. l915- '0. @HASTINGS BLOCK AND INTER LOCK ING MEANS THEREFOR.

APPLiCATlON FILED N OV. 26, 19l5.

Patented J an. 22, 1918.

4 SHEETS--SHEET3- 5 c. G. HASTINGS. BLOCK AND IN'TERLOCKINQ MEANSTHEREFOR.

Patented Jain. 2.2, 1918.

APPLXCATIUN FILED NOV 25,1915

www r4 W42 31 O O O as 2e .26 o -A9 -built up relation 0 UNITED. sr-ATES PATENT ormcnp CORNELIUS G. HASTINGS, 0F GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA, ASSIGNOR T0 HASTINGS,

TUNNEL SYSTEM COMPANY, ACORPORA'IION OF NEW YORK.

. BLOCK AND'INTEBIIOCKING MEANS THEREFOR.

Application filed November .Means Therefor; and I do hereby declare that the following is a'f'ull, clear, and exact description of' the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the numerals of reference marked thereon, which form a part of'this specification.

' This invention relates to a building block constructed preferably of reinforced concrete having associated .therewith'reinfor ing members which protrude through the walls of the block in spaces provided therefor to receive interlocking means 'to engage similar'hlocks assemble "with one another in practipally all sides thereof.

' It isan object to construct a reinforced con'cretebuilding block with certain of the reinforcement members protruding through the surface ofthe block to register with similar members of other blocks permitting a number of blocks laid in built up relation to be securely interlocked with one another, and in a'manner to permit a filling of concrete, cement or the like to be poured or blown into the spaces around the interlocking means of the blocks to afford substantially a unitary structure.

It is also an object of this invention to construct a reinforced concrete block provided with means projecting through the side walls and ends thereof for registration with similar means on other blocks laid in built-up arrangement adjacent thereto to interlock the blocksone to another by the engagement of auxiliary means: therewith.

It is furthermore an object of this invention to provide a. building block particuelliptical or other shaped bore is tobe linedby a retaining wall capable of withstanding great stresses, the

block's provided with devices for interlocking thesame one'to another at the ends and Specification of Letters Patent.

t erefore of this'inventiorr' use in tunnel construction Patented Jan. 22, 1918.

26, 1915. Serial m. 63,491.

sides thereof forthe purpose, to thereafter receive a filling of cement or concrete blown therearound. and bonding thereto to form substantially ture.

. It is finally an object of this-invention to provide a building block adapted for use particularly in tunnel constructions wherein reinforcement members molded within the building blocks protrude through certain surfacesof the blocks for registration with s1milar members of other blocks built up adjacent thereto to receive locking engaged therethrough topositively lock' the respective blocks one-to another. The invention (in a preferred form) is 'llustrated in the drawings and hereinafter ;more fully described.

In the drawings:

Figure 1- is a conventional side elevation of one form of block embodying the prin oi les of my invention.

1g. 2 is a bottom plan view thereof.

Fig. 3. is a view of the end of the block.

Fig. 4 1s a-bottom plan view of the skelelton rame or'reinforcement around which the concrete of which the block is formed, is

molded. s Fig. 5 isa detail section taken on line 5-5 of Fig. 1, with parts omitted.

a unitary or monolithic struc-l means Fig. 6-is a side elevation of the skeleton frame.

Fig. 7 is a section taken on line 77 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 isa detail section with' parts omitted, taken on line 8-8 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary exterior plan View. of a tunnel wall built of blocks constructed .according.to the rinciples of'my invention.

Fig. 10 is a ragmentarg endielevation thereof with parts shown in section and parts omitted. Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken on line 11--11.0f Fig. 9.

Fig. 12 is a longitudinal section taken through a modified form of device, showing parts in elevation.

Fig. 13 lsa VIEW of the end of a modifiedform of block.

a Fig. 14 is a detail section-on line14-14 of Fig. '12, with parts in elevation.

' junction of two blocks of the wall, with the joint shown in section.

As shown in the drawings: Referring first to Figs. 1 to 11 inclusive, the block as a whole, and the material, such as concrete cement or the like, of which it is compose is denoted by the reference numeral 1, and has molded therewithin a me tallic skeleton frame consisting of three fiat arched bars. The side or outer bars are denoted by the reference numerals 2, and the intermediate or middle bar by the reference numeral 3, the ends of said respective bars being bent downwardly or inwardly, sub stantially on radius of the curvature of said bars. The inwardly turned ,ends of said respective bars 2 and 3', are apertured, and extending through each thereof longitudinally of the bars, is a set of three arched rods, those of the outer bars 2, denoted by the reference numerals 4, 5, and 6, and those of the inner bar 3, denoted by the reference numerals 7. As clearly shown, the extremities of the respective rods 4 and 6, project through the ends of the blocks 1, into semicylindrical recesses provided in the ends of said blocks, so that when the blocks abut one another, a cylindrical recess is afforded.

As clearly shown in Fig. 6, the eyes formed on the ends of said respective rods 4 and 6, at one end-of the block are slightly offset, so that the respective eyes onthe ends of abutting blocks register with one another and may receive a connecting pin 8, therethrough. A plurality of clips 9, are provided,which, as clearly shown in Figs. 4, 6,

and 7, consist of bars with the ends hooked or curved to engage the respective rods 4 and 6, and each with an inwardly struck hooke or curved central portion to engage and surround the respective rods 5, of said skeleton bars 2, insuring proper spacing of the same, and further acting to reinforce the concrete block -1, as a whole. Extending transversely through the block 1, and, as clearly shown in. Fig. 7, beneath one of the rods 4, and be-" neath a rod 7, and ofi'set'to extend above the other ofthe rods 4, and likewise ex tended under the r0ds 6, and over another of the rods 7, areattaching straps or bars 10, the ends of which pro]ect through the side walls of the block into radially disposed semi-cylindrical recesses prqvided therein and are provided with apertures to register with the apertured ends of similar members of a block laid adjacent thereto to permit insertion of a locking pin or rod 11, therethrough. As clearly shown in Fig. 6, the central portion of each of the respective bars 2 and 3, is struck inwardly, and attached to each thereof is a radially directed bar 12, which is apertured to receive the re spective rods 4, 5, 6, and 7, therethrough, assisting in spacingnthe same properly with inthe block, and acting further as a reinforcement memberv for the block. As shown in Fig. 2, a groove 13, is provided in the lnner or under surface of the block 1, and this is to facllitate use of mechanlsms utilized for placing the block in position.

the middle bar 15, thus leaving the uppermost curved rods 16, of the side bars 14, and the topmost rod 19, of the intermediate bar 15, disposed above the outer curved surface of theconcrete.

Spacing and -reinforcing clips or straps 21, are provided, the ends of which are curved to engage around the uppermost bars 16, and the lowermost bars 18, and the central'portion of which is struck inwardly to engage around the intermediate rods 17 of said side bars 14, said straps or clips, of course, extending beyond the top surface of the block and having apertures therethrough to receive transverse connecting and reinforcement rods 22, therethrongh, as shown in Figs. 13 and 14. As in the construction previously described, radially disposed bars 23, are provided, embedded in the concrete block and apertured to receive the curved rods 17, 18, and 19, therethrou'gh with theupper end of said bars 23, projecting beyond the outer surface of the block and suitably connected to an indented portionpf the bars 14 and 15, respectively. The ends of the bars 17.and 18, project through the end surfaces of the concrete block into semi-cylindrical grooves formed therein, and are bent around to form attaching eyes, with the eyes at one end of the block at a different height than those at the other end of,t he' block.

thus permitting the eyes of respective blocks to register when the blocks are laid in built up relation, and to receive coking pins or rods 24 therethrough.

7 As shown in the sectional detail illustrated in Fig.15, the modified form of blocks shown in Figs. 12 to15 inclusive, are shown associated with one another, whereby the transverse rods22, function as a retaining means to hold the rods laterally associated; With the blocks so associated with one another, a filling of concrete 24 is blown around the outer surfaces thereof into the space between theblocks' and the wall of the.

tunnel, bonding around the projecting metal reinforcement members. 1

In the construction illustrated in Figsw' .16 to 1 9 inclusive,'"Fig. 17 illustrates a me-' tallic skeleton frame for one block embrace ing threearched bars 25 and 26, respectively,'.

with the bar 26, interposed between the bars 25, and with each of the ends of said respective bars bent radially of the'hlock as already described in the prior constructions.

Curved reinforcement rods 27, 28,, 29, and

are provided extending through apertures in the inturned ends of said respective bars 25and 26, of which the ends of the bars 27 and 29, are extended and oflset, and turned over to afford an eye through which horizontally directed rods 31, may engage,

thus lockin a series of rows of said blocks one to anot er. j

The concrete molded around the skeleton frame to form a block is denoted by the reference numeral 32, and after the blocks have been laid in built up relation with the connecting rods'3l, inserted in place, a filling. of concrete 33, is poured around said rods 31, and projecting eyes of the rods 27 and 29, as clearly shown in Fig..19. As clearly shown,

the cross section of the block illustrated in the latter modification is slightly different from theft of the preceding blocks in that aright angled recess 34, is provided along one side andend of the block, and a'projecting ledge or shoulder 35, is provided along the 34, of the block next adjacent.

prior construction described, braclng or re taining straps or clips 36, are provided, en-

other side and end thereof, so that when the blocks are laidone against another said shoulder 35, of one block interfits the recess As in the gaged upon the respective rods 27, 28, and 29, within the concrete forming the blocks,

.as well as spacing or retaining bars 37,.

mounted centrally of the block. I

Transversely extending plates 38, are also provided, apertured at their ends and withtheir, ends pro ecting into the side walls of the blocks into semi-cylindrical radially disi osed recesses 39, provided therefor, where- 'hy saidnpertured ends of adjacent blocks register and are adapted to receive a retaining rod'or pin therethrough. The operation is as follows:

' .Dueto thepeculiar manner in which this block is constructed, that is, whereby the same is provided with attaching eyes, both at it ends :ind'at its sides, it is possible to interlobk" the respective blocks constituting a row one to another at" the endsof theblocks, and as. well connect the respective. rows by means of rods 01' pins inserted through the attaching eyes provided for the purpose on the blocks. Thereafter a quantity of concrete is 'blown in wardly around the outer surface of the tunnel between the same and the projected bore through the ground, completely covering a unitary structure.

In thejniodified form of block illustrated in Figs. 12 to 15 inclusive, a part of the interior 'reinforc ment or metal work of theblock' is extended beyond the outer surfacethereof, so that when the blocks are asand bonding around the projecting metallic portions and affording substantially senibled-in built'up'relation the concrete blown around the" built up blocks between the outer surface thereof and the walls of the projectedbore, bonds around the proj'ectin'g metallic members, thus aifordinga reinforced substantially unitary shell serving to insure positive retainment of the blocks infposition, as well asxmaintaininga sealatthe joints of the blocks.

In the-form of block 'llustratedin Figs.

16 to 19 inclusive, in place of using radially disposed retaining pins or rods for locking the blocks one to another at their ends, I have constructed theblocks with theproje'ctg eyes at the ends adapted to" receive horizontally directed connecting rods, so that the V blocks of a number of different rows may be" Further I thus connected one to another. more each of the blocks is provided with transverse apertures at its middle portion-,,.

so that the rods connecting the ends of one row of blocks "may project through the interior of the blocks of the row next adjacent wherein the blocks of said second mentioned row are staggered with respect to the blocks of the first mentioned row.

.I am aware thatwarlous details of construction may be varied through a. wide range without departing from the principles of this invention, and I therefore do not purpose limiting the patent granted otherwise lock the block with similar blocks laid one against the other by engagement with said projecting portions of said rods and bars. 2. In a uilding block of the class described, a reinforcement frame therein,cer-

tain member's projecting beyond the ends of c said block, eyesformed on the projecting ends 'of' said members, and the respect'ri-il ends of saidmembers offset with respect toone another to permitregistration With corresponding ends of similar blocks laid in built up relation, laterally disposed bars Within said block, each bent downwardly near'its centerto permit the same to engage g aboveand below certain of said members With the respective ends of each of said bars projecting through the side Walls of "said block in ofi'set relation to register with the corresponding. ends of slmilar blocks, and 111- terlocking means for engagement through saideyes and through the registering ends of'said bars to lock said blocks in built up relation.

3. In a concrete building block,. a reinforcement frame therein comprising arched bars, the ends thereof ,turned. inwardly curved rods engaged through the ends of said bars and disposed Within the blocks with the ends of certain of said rods pro jecting beyond the ends of said blocks, eyes formed on the ends of said rods projecting through the endsof the blocks, and means for engagement through said eyes to lock a series of blocks one to another laid in built Cup relation. l

4:. A concrete block of the class described comprising a reinforcement frame molded therein, a pluralityof rods forming a part of said frame, arched means bonded Within I, said'block through theends of which said rods extend to maintain'the same properly spaced in said block and to further reinforce said block, certain of said rods extending through the end surfaces of said i block, eyes formed on the ends of said rods projecting through said block, hooked spac ing members engaging said rods and acting to reinforce said block, and means for engagement through said eyes to attach the same to a block of similar construction laid in built up relation With said first mentioned a block.

-5. In a concrete building block of the class described, a reinforcement frame therein comprising bars, rods engaged through the endsof said bars, certain ones of said rods.

pro ecting through the ends of said block, eyes formed on the ends of said rods prce jecting through the ends of the block, means formed to engage said rods to space the same one from another, and also actlngto re1nforce sald block, and members for-engage ment through said eyes to look a series of blocks in built up relation. 7

6. In a concrete building block of-the class described, a reinforcement frame therein comprising inwardly bent arched bars, rods engaged through said bars with the ends of certain of said rods projecting beyond the ends of said block, eyes formed on the ends of said projecting; rods, clips .Wltllll'l said block engaging said rods to hold the same in spaced relation, apertured straps extending transverselythrough said block and projecting beyond the side walls thereof, and means for engagement through said eyes and apertures to lock a number of blocks one to an- .other laid in built up relation.

- 7. In a concrete block ofthe class described, a plurality of longitudinally disposed members therein, a plurality of trails versely disposed means in said block, hooked members engaging certain of said longitudinal members to hold the same in spaced relation, and means engaging said transversely disposed means and certain of said longitudinally disposed members to lock said scribed my name inthe presence of two sub: 4

scribing Witnesses.

CORNELIUS G. HASTINGS.

I Witnesses: I

CrIARLns W. HILLS, Jr., EARL M, HARDINE. 

